R 221801Z MAY 12

ALCOAST 254/12
COMDTNOTE 1650
SUBJ: SOLICITATION FOR THE JOSHUA JAMES ANCIENT KEEPER AWARD
A. Joshua James Ancient Keeper Award, COMDTINST 1650.7(series)
1.  This message announces the solicitation of nominations for the
Joshua James Ancient Keeper Award.  The incumbent Ancient Keeper,
BOSN4 Thomas Guthlein is scheduled to retire in July 2012.
2.  Background.
       a.  Captain Joshua James is the most celebrated lifesaver in
Coast Guard history, with 626 lives saved.  Only those who have
exemplified the finest traits of maritime professionalism and
leadership, like Joshua James, were appointed as station keepers.
       b.  The Joshua James Ancient Keeper Award recognizes longevity
and outstanding performance in Coast Guard Boat Force operations.  It
is presented upon departure of the incumbent Ancient Keeper.
3.  Eligibility Requirements.  The Joshua James Ancient Keeper Award
winner will be selected IAW the criteria outlined in reference (a).
All nominees must:
       a.  Be a Coast Guard officer or enlisted member who has served
on continuous active duty with ten or more years of accumulated
service at Boat Force units, of which five years must have been as
commanding officer or officer in charge.
       b.  For the purpose of this award, Boat Force units include:
Stations, Station Smalls, Aids to Navigation Teams, Station Aids to
Navigation Teams (STANTS), Groups, Sectors, Marine Safety Units
(MSU), Marine Safety Detachments (MSD) with boat allowance, Maritime
Force Protection Units (MFPU), Maritime Safety and Security Teams
(MSST), Maritime Security Response Team (MSRT), Port Security Units
(PSU), and Centers for Excellence (National Motor Lifeboat School,
Boat Force Center, Special Missions Training Center, Boat Force
Standardization Team, Boat Force Command Cadre School).
       c.  Be qualified as a coxswain on a standard boat 30 feet or
greater in length.
       d.  Have maintained Good Conduct eligibility and not received
a
derogatory report for any reporting period as described in reference
(a).
       e.  Be eligible to hold the distinction for at least one year.
       f.  Have a distinguished record of seamanship and leadership
in
the Boat Force community.
4.  Selection Criteria.  The award recipient will be the member who
meets all eligibility requirements and has the most cumulative
service at Boat Force units.  In cases where candidates have the same
amount of cumulative service, the member who possesses the most
service as CO or OIC will be selected.
5.  Selection.  COMDT (CG-731) shall review all nomination packages
and recommend the nominee who best meets the criteria.
6.  Action.   Nomination packages shall be submitted via District
Commanders as prescribed in reference (a).  District Commanders shall
not submit more than one nomination package.  Headquarters units
shall submit nominations directly to COMDT (CG-731).  All nomination
packages should be received by COMDT (CG-731), Attn:  LT Ruhlig, NLT
08 Jun 2012.  All submissions shall be sent by email and must be in
.pdf format with all required signatures and endorsements.
7.  POC:  LT David Ruhlig, COMDT (CG-731), at 202-372-2472 or
David.P.Ruhlig(at)uscg.mil.
8.  RDML Mark E. Butt, Assistant Commandant for Capability, sends.
9.  Internet release is authorized.